Page 77 of King

As the priest speaks I am feint with excitement. I can’t believe this is finally happening.

“I now pronounce you - husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

Giovanni steps against me with a smile, he’s hand wraps around my waist and dips me backwards, his hand slipping into the slit of my dress so that he can pull my bent leg up against his hip. It’s picture perfect as he presses his lips over mine.

I’m lost in a fairytale moment, theperfectmoment - one I have dreamed of since the day he first kissed me.

He doesn’t hesitate with his kiss. It’s barely appropriate for public view, and it sets my skin on fire with desire. His hand slides over my leg, beneath the wedding dress and I giggle, blushing, as my cheeks heat with need.

He belongs to me now and no one should dare try to take him from me.

This is my husband. My man. My life. He’s claiming me in front of everyone.

When he pulls me back to my feet and stares down into my eyes, he is grinning mischievously. The crowd is cheering and throwing flower petals. He leans close and whispers in my ear. “Do we have time to disappear for a few moments?”

I laugh, scrunching my nose.

Giovanni leads me back down the aisle, past all of those watching eyes. My arm is slipped through his and he walks proudly with me at his side.

“Mrs. Rivas.” He says my name to test how it feels on his lips. It makes my heart beat faster. “Mrs. Zina Rivas.” I never expect a new name to turn me on as much as that one does.

I bite my lip, wishing we could sneak away - and steal a moment for ourselves.

Our guests move from the ceremony tent to the dinner tent.

Music plays and we dance, eat incredible food and laugh all night.

I see Santino, outside the tent, glaring in through an open window. His face scowled in anger. It clenches my heart, but I turn away from him - this night isn’t about him. He has no idea how much I deserve this night. And I won’t let him ruin it for me.

Guido cheekily steals a dance from Giovanni, wanting to celebrate too. He takes my hand and slowly waltzes with me over the dance floor, but it doesn’t last long before Giovanni is back at my side, chasing Guido away to enjoy the night with everyone else.

“I don’t want to share you tonight.” Giovanni whispers against my ear, moving seductively as he guides me through a slow, romantic song.

Beneath his jacket, I slip my hand under his shirt, untucking it at the back so that I can touch his skin. I want him more than words can describe.

I want to consummate this union. To make it final. To have him claim me in that final way that will seal our fates.

“It’s late.” I whisper with a smile.

“It is.” He nods, his eyes flaring.

“It’s about time for everyone to leave.” I remark.

He shakes his head. “Let them stay. Let them celebrate.”

Giovanni slips his arm around my waist and lifts me off my feet, cradling me against his chest. He carries me through the crowd, not even trying to hide his intentions or to slip away quietly.

We leave the celebrations to carry on without us as he carries me upstairs, to claim me as his wife, in the most delightful way possible.

TWENTY-THREE

giovanni

The wedding dress slips off her body, sliding over her curves as it drifts to the floor.

My wife.

My heart and my soul.

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